Here comes the heat: the Decalogue anti-sultriness of the Ministry of Health – Rai News

Ten tips to beat the heat: are the rules developed by the Ministry of Health, which has given the go these days in the program ‘Safe Summer 2014′, for the prevention of the effects of heat waves on health

June 8, 2014 It ‘important to remember that under conditions of extreme heat the populations most affected are especially those who live in big cities, in areas with little shelter in the shade, and in homes heated with poor ventilation.
They risk more older people, especially if sick and lonely, which can quickly develop dehydration, suffer an aggravation of chronic diseases, such as cardio-respiratory, or be victims of heat stroke.
In general, however, , a series of simple behavioral habits and preventive measures can help to significantly reduce the harmful effects of heat waves. These 10 simple rules of conduct can limit exposure to high temperatures, facilitate cooling of the body and prevent dehydration, reduce the risk in the most vulnerable, very elderly people with health problems, who are taking medications, infants and very young children. Here the Decalogue:
out of the house in the cooler hours of the day
Avoid going out in the open from 11am to 18. Otherwise, do not forget to protect the head with a light-colored hat, use sunglasses, protect the skin from sunburn with a sunscreen with a high SPF.
Wear appropriate clothing and lighter
Whether at home or outdoors, wear light clothing, non-members, preferably of natural fibers to absorb sweat and let the skin breathe.
Freshen up the home environment and Work
Shield windows exposed to the sun using blinds, shutters and curtains. Close the windows during the day and open them during the coolest hours of the day. If you use the air conditioning, to remember certain precautions to avoid health consequences and excessive energy consumption. In particular, it is recommended to use preferably on days with weather conditions at risk, to adjust the temperature between 24 and 26 ° C, to cover the transition from a warm to a colder, to provide for their maintenance and regular cleaning filters, to avoid the simultaneous use of appliances that produce heat and energy consumption.
Reduce body temperature Do
bathrooms and showers with warm water, wet face and arms with fresh water. In cases of very high temperatures put a wet towel on the nape.
Reduce the level of physical activity
During the hottest hours of the day to avoid practicing outdoors vigorous exercise or heavy work.
Drink regularly and eat properly
Drink at least 2 liters of water a day, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The elderly should drink even if you do not feel the need. Avoid drinking alcohol and limit your intake of carbonated beverages or too cold. Eat light foods and preferably with high water content such as fruits and vegetables. Pay particular attention to the preservation of foods and avoid leaving them outdoors for more than 2 hours. Take some precautions if you go out in the car
If you get into a car parked in the sun, before getting the doors open, then start the trip with the windows open or use the air conditioning system. Be careful when placing children about child safety seats, ensure they are not overheated. When you park the car never leave, even for a few minutes, people or animals in the cockpit.
Store drugs properly
sure to read the storage given on the packaging of drugs and store them in the package, away from heat and direct sunlight. Store in a refrigerator drugs for which there is a storage temperature not exceeding 25-30 ° c.
Take special precautions in case of people at risk
When it’s very hot, older people with chronic diseases (cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, diabetes …) and people taking drugs, should consult their doctor for a possible adjustment of therapy or the frequency of clinical and laboratory (eg for diabetics is advisable to increase the frequency of blood glucose testing); report to their physician any discomfort, however slight, that will overtake during drug therapy; not ever suspend its own initiative ongoing therapy.
Supervise and care for people at risk
In prolonged periods of intense heat, pay attention to your family or elderly neighbors, especially if they live alone and, where possible, help them do some small chores, like grocery shopping or pick up medications. Report to the health services of any situations that require intervention, such as people living in situations of extreme poverty or health hazard (eg the homeless in severe need).